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The federal trial of a former Dallas doctor accused of tampering with IV bags, resulting in the death of one patient and causing cardiac emergencies for several others in 2022, began with opening statements on Monday.
Assistant U.S. Attorney John de la Garza displayed an intravenous therapy bag during his opening statement, alleging that former Dr. Reynaldo Ortiz utilized his medical expertise to harm vulnerable patients undergoing low-risk surgeries.
Chief District Judge David Godbey is overseeing the trial, which has attracted significant attention.
Ortiz is accused of spiking IV bags with drugs, leading to cardiac emergencies over a five-day period in August 2022 and the death of a colleague in June of the same year. Notably, prosecutors stated that Ortiz did not tamper with his own patients’ IV bags.
The affected patients underwent various procedures, including hand repairs, facelifts, tummy tucks, and rhinoplasty.
Ortiz faces ten federal counts of tampering with a consumer product and adulteration of a drug, with potential sentencing of up to life in prison if convicted.
During the proceedings, Ortiz appeared in court wearing a facemask and appeared older than in previous appearances.
His defense attorney, John Nicholson, expressed confidence in representing Ortiz, arguing against what he described as confirmation bias by federal authorities.
Both sides will present evidence, including surveillance videos and testimony from medical staff, to support their arguments.
The trial is expected to last up to three weeks, with Ortiz having the option to testify in his defense.
If found guilty, Ortiz could face a lengthy prison sentence.